Monstera: planting, maintaining & propagating

The window leaf, also under its botanical name Monstera known, can be found in many apartments today. We give you helpful care tips and a short profile about the tropical plant.

Not only in the office, but also in numerous living rooms Monstera at home today. With the right background knowledge, their maintenance is usually easy. In this article you will learn everything about the correct care, planting and propagation of the extraordinary ornamental foliage plant.

Monstera: flower, leaves and origin

With us it is

Monstera mainly known under the name window leaf. It belongs to the Araceae family and originally comes from the Neotropics - the tropical regions of South and Central America. So far there are over 50 Monstera-Species known. Some species of the climbing evergreen are also native to the Caribbean. Feral forms of the window leaf can be found nowadays in Florida, Asia and Australia, as well as in the western Mediterranean area - such as Portugal or Morocco.

The persistent, herbaceous one Monstera can be between 0.5 and 3 meters long and grow both creeping above the ground and lithophytically between crevices or on rock. The most widespread is their sessile growth as a climbing plant along other plants. The seeds of the Monstera on the floor. The seedlings crawl to other plants, such as trees, in order to climb them. Later the lower part of the plant dies, so that the Monstera becomes a pure climbing plant, which then forms short adhesive roots and long aerial roots. In addition to the Monstera Incidentally, some orchids also form aerial roots and grow alongside other plants. the Monstera-Air roots grow until they meet humus that has formed in the forks of large jungle trees. In humus, they eventually become real roots and absorb nutrients.

The distinguishing features of the Monstera are their alternately arranged, up to 50 cm long leaves. The shape of the leaves differs in some species depending on the age of the plant, with the young leaves usually growing along the climbing tree and the older leaves sticking out a long way. the Monstera- Leaf stalks are noticeably bent down to serve as hooks - another important distinguishing feature of the genus. In some species, the green, sometimes patterned, leaves are noticeably large with holes, which earned them the common name "window leaf". With us it blooms Monstera only very rarely, in their tropical homeland, on the other hand, the arum family's typical flowers of bracts, cobs and pedicels appear annually. The bract has a subtle, white-yellowish to pink color.
the Monstera forms white or orange collective fruits, each filled with one to three seeds. The seeds of the Monstera deliciosa are considered a delicacy in some countries. You can find out which special species there are and how they are distinguished in our article about the most beautiful Monstera-Species read up.

Location and soil for Monstera

the Monstera is a fairly undemanding plant in terms of location and soil. Because of its spreading growth, it is important to provide enough space for it. A light, shady to partially shaded location is ideal. Direct sunlight should be avoided, especially at lunchtime, as this can lead to sunburn on the leaves. For strong, healthy growth, it is advantageous if light reaches all parts of the plant. The ideal temperature for the Monstera is around 21 ° C. A high level of humidity, such as that found in your tropical home, is also important. In summer - between mid-May and August - the Monstera Stand outdoors without any problems as long as there are no periods of frost and the temperature does not drop below 12 ° C.

A humus-rich potting soil is suitable as a substrate, which can hold moisture well, but does not tend to form backwater. Lime is from the Monstera largely tolerated, with a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH being preferred. A high quality earth like ours Plantura organic universal soil, offers the ideal basis for healthy and vigorous plant growth. It provides the plant with sustainable nutrients thanks to its pH value between 6.1 and 6.9 and a high proportion of compost. Thanks to a balanced proportion of coconut pulp, it is also able to provide enough water for the Monstera to store and at the same time to ventilate the soil well. In order to keep the soil slightly acidic at all times, acidic primary rock flour (made of granite or basalt) can be mixed with the earth or, alternatively, a layer of pine bark can be applied.

As an alternative to the classic cultivation in soil, the Monstera also for hydroponics. The plant can be used in Expanded clay to be planted. The use of a special hydroponic pot with a water level indicator is an advantage. This makes it easier to determine the right time for watering and the window leaf plant is not exposed to the risk of waterlogging.

Monstera care: the most important measures

the Monstera is considered an easy-care plant. In addition to the usual care measures, it is important for your large leaves to wipe them off every now and then with a damp cloth to remove dust. That maintains their photosynthetic activity and the Monstera stay healthy.

Pour Monstera

the Monstera should be watered regularly during the growing season between April and September. However, too much water in the soil worsens ventilation and root rot can occur. The plant tolerates drought better than too much water, which is why more frequent but less watering is more suitable. Rainwater or mineral water are for that Monstera better suited than calcareous tap water despite its calcium tolerance. If the humidity is low, the Monstera also occasionally sprayed with water. Stale or distilled water is suitable for this.

Fertilize window leaves

Because of its rapid growth, it is important to fertilize the window leaf every 14 days during the vegetation period between May and August so that there is no lack of nutrients. A fertilizer in liquid form, which is added to the irrigation water, is suitable for this. In this way, the nutrients can be distributed well in the soil solution and reach all parts of the plant. Our Plantura organic indoor & green plant fertilizer has a balanced, phosphorus-reduced nutrient content. This promotes the external absorption of phosphorus from the substrate and thus strengthens root growth. In addition, we trust in a purely ecological and therefore resource-saving production that completely dispenses with animal components. With hydroponics, regular fertilization is also necessary, but in a lower concentration so as not to damage the plant.

Cut back the monstera

A care cut is for them Monstera unnecessary. However, if the plant becomes too big for the location because of its vigorous growth, it can be cut back without hesitation. It sprouts again from the leaf axes and continues to grow from there. For a more radical cut back Monstera the best time is always at the same time as repotting. Thanks to the fresh nutrients and the sufficiently large root system, the plant can then regenerate better.

tip: The aerial roots of the Monstera should not be cut off under any circumstances, as this is very damaging to the plant. Care should also be taken not to damage the roots during care, such as cleaning the leaves.

Pests and diseases in the window leaf

The window leaf is a very robust plant that is rarely attacked by pests. When it comes to a pest infestation, it usually is Spider mites (Tetranychidae) or Scale insects (Coccoidea), which can be problematic.

Monstera gets yellow / brown leaves: what can be done?

Sometimes the Monstera yellow leaves, this can have different reasons:

• Too cool location: The nutrient uptake is only possible, which is reduced Monstera should be moved to a warmer location.
• Too wet earth: The substrate is saturated with water so that no more air can get to the roots. Root rot can occur. Watering should be completely stopped for 1 to 2 weeks.
• Nutritional deficiency: If there are not enough nutrients, the plant cannot grow ideally. the Monstera should be fertilized again. Another indication of a lack of nutrients is the failure to divide the leaves.
• Humidity too low: Brown leaf tips indicate that the humidity is too low. Spraying the plant more often will help.

Leaves of Monstera curl up: what can you do?

In addition to yellowing or browning of the leaves, they can also curl up. This can also have several causes:

• Too dry earth: Too little water causes the water pressure in the plant cells to drop and the leaves to curl up or become limp. It should be poured quickly.
• Pest infestation: Pests occasionally cause plant leaves to curl. The monstera should be carefully examined for pests and treated accordingly.
• Overfertilization: If the plant is fertilized too much or too often, the soil becomes salinized. the Monstera should be repotted and fertilized less often.

Repot Monstera

the Monstera should be repotted in a much larger pot immediately after purchase, as it grows vigorously and is usually sold in very narrow containers. Younger plants should then be repotted annually. For older plants, it is enough to change the top five centimeters of the soil once a year. The best time is before the start of vegetation in spring between March and April. the Monstera can be removed from the old pot and excess soil removed. Then it is placed in the new pot, fresh earth is added, lightly pressed and finally poured on well. As a substrate for the Monstera A high-quality potting soil is also suitable.

Propagate Monstera via offshoots

the Monstera can easily be propagated via offshoots. Parts of the trunk or the plant head can be used for this. It is sufficient to place the approx. 20 cm long cuttings in a glass with water for some time until fine roots have formed by themselves. The ideal temperature for root formation is between 20 and 25 ° C. The rooted cuttings can then be placed in high-quality potting soil and watered. As soon as the Monstera young plants have grown a little, they should be repotted in a larger pot.

Another way that Monstera to multiply is the mossing. To do this, individual aerial roots are wrapped in moist moss sprinkled with soil while they are still on the plant and then wrapped tightly in cling film. The film prevents drying out and ensures good growing conditions. As soon as individual fine roots can be seen through the foil after a while, the roots can be cut off the plant with a sharp knife. The film can then be removed and the rooted moss ball planted in the ground. The will begin after a short time Monstera to grow.

Hibernate the window leaf

the Monstera is not hardy and very sensitive to frost. Therefore, during the cold season - between September and May - it should definitely be overwintered in a warm place. A little heated living room, a winter garden or a bright stairwell are particularly suitable for this if the temperature is between 16 and 18 ° C. During hibernation, the window leaf should only be watered to a reduced extent; a finger test helps to determine the right time. Fertilization should be avoided completely.

Are Monsteras Poisonous?

The berries of the kind Monstera deliciosa are considered a delicacy in some countries. Other parts of the plant are indigestible or may have a mildly toxic effect. The sap can irritate the skin and mucous membranes of humans as well as dogs or cats, which is why gloves should always be worn when cutting or propagating cuttings. Symptoms of poisoning such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can occur. In animals, an unsteady gait or unusual salivation can also be an indication of poisoning.

Do you like unusual ornamental foliage plants? Then read our article on planting and care tips for them Basket margin (Calathea).